Panasonic ZS100 vs Sony NEX-5N

The following is a in depth review of the Panasonic ZS100 versus Sony NEX-5N, one is a Large Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a huge difference between the resolutions of the ZS100 (20MP) and NEX-5N (16MP) and the ZS100 (1") and NEX-5N (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizes.

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The ZS100 was introduced 4 years after the NEX-5N which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a thorough comparison, here is a simple summation of how the ZS100 grades against the NEX-5N in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS100 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS100 enjoys exterior dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5N has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS100 versus Sony NEX-5N in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that time. Here is a front view size comparison of the ZS100 compared to the NEX-5N.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the ZS100 and NEX-5N is 87 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to see the difference between sensor dimensions just by going over specs. The pic here will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS100 and NEX-5N.

All in all, both of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ZS100 having a tinier sensor will make shooting bokeh trickier and the Panasonic ZS100 will offer you extra detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures way more aggressively. The fresher ZS100 will have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.